Ultraviolet autonomous trolley for sanitizing aircraft

ABSTRACT

A mobile body is configured to travel over a surface inside an aircraft cabin. A source of UV radiation is mounted to the mobile body and configured to direct UV radiation to the surface at a predetermined dosage. At least two articulated arms are mounted to the mobile body, and UV lamps mounted respectively on the arms. The mobile body is a trolley or cart for negotiating an aircraft aisle.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is generally directed to a sanitation device and,more particularly, to a sanitation device that includes a source ofultraviolet (UV) radiation that is used to sanitize a surface.Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methodsof sanitizing surfaces using the device.

This disclosure further concerns sanitizing aircraft, particularlyaircraft cabins.

A system and method trolley intended to sanitize the air and surfaces inan aircraft cabin that are commonly contacted by passengers in an effortto minimize the risk of disease spread.

Infectious disease transmission among air travelers is a significantpersonal and public health concern. Common and potentially serious viral(e.g. Influenza), bacterial (e.g. Methicillin Resistant Staph aureus),and fungal pathogens are typically spread through the air and frommutually contacted surfaces, known as “fomites”. Commercial aircraftcurrently use extensive on-board air filtration and ultraviolet “C” band(UVC) (extrinsic to cabin compartment) technologies to decrease airbornemicrobes, yet disease transmission continues, suggesting cabin surfacesmay play a role.

UVC is an effective germicidal technology not only for air, but forsurfaces. However, there is no currently available technology toeffectively and efficiently sanitize the surfaces of a passengeraircraft interior. The aircraft interior is never exposed to naturalultraviolet light. Chemical disinfection is labor intensive, withpotential harmful residues. Human exposure to UVC can be associated withskin and eye damage and care must be exercised in its use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to a sanitation device forsanitizing surfaces. In accordance with one embodiment of thedisclosure, the sanitization device includes a mobile body and a sourceof UV radiation. The source of UV radiation is mounted to the mobilebody, which is configured to travel over a surface. The source of UVradiation is configured to direct UV radiation to the surface at adosage sufficient to diminish microbial loads to acceptable levels. Somedistinguishing features of the current disclosure include:

A trolley for negotiating aircraft or similar aisles.

Two arms, that are:

-   -   Laden with UVC sources situated to disperse in a plurality of        directions    -   Articulated to be laterally extensible over the seat backs and        retractable within the trolley footprint.    -   Motor controlled and actuated.    -   Variably extensible, depending upon the seating configuration.    -   Programmable, depending upon the seating configuration.    -   Able to Function independent of each other.

One utility of this disclosure is self-evident on an intermittent basisin commercial domestic and international routine travel. In the extremecase of a bioterror threat of dispersing particularly lethal microbesvia aircraft, this disclosure has the potential of preventing masscasualties.

The current disclosure provides a rapid, safe and effective means ofsanitizing the cabin interior by exposure to germicidal UV-C lightduring routine ground fueling, and maintenance.

Additional and further objects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Other features and benefits that characterize embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be apparent upon reading the following detaileddescription and review of the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 1 in Stowed/RetractedPositions.

FIG. 2: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 1 in PartiallyExtended Positions.

FIG. 3: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 1 in Fully ExtendedPositions.

FIG. 4: Top View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 1 in Fully ExtendedPositions.

FIG. 5: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 2 in Stowed/RetractedPositions.

FIG. 6: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 2 in PartiallyExtended Positions.

FIG. 7: Front view of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 2 in GreaterPartially Extended Positions.

FIG. 8: Top View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 2 in Fully ExtendedPositions.

FIG. 9: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 3 in Stowed/RetractedPositions.

FIG. 10: Front View of Trolley with Arms Embodiment 3 in Fully ExtendedPositions.

FIG. 11: Detail of Arm Embodiment 3 showing Lamps within Arm.

FIG. 12: Trolley Body with Recessed Lamps and Reflectors.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a sanitization device thatutilizes a source of UV radiation to provide a means for sanitizing asurface. As will be discussed below in greater detail, embodiments ofthe sanitization device include a source of UV radiation in combinationwith a mobile body, or a housing for handheld operation. Additionalembodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods of sanitizingsurfaces using the sanitization devices of the present disclosure.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, thesanitization device includes a mobile body, a surface cleaningcomponent, and a source of UV radiation. The surface cleaning componentand the source of UV radiation are mounted to the mobile body, which isconfigured to travel over a surface. The surface cleaning component isconfigured to engage the surface and the source of UV radiation isconfigured to direct UV radiation to the surface.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, thesanitization device includes a housing, a source of UV radiation, and asensor. The source of UV radiation is contained in the housing andpositioned to transmit UV radiation through an opening in the housing.The sensor is configured to detect when the source is within apredetermined distance from a surface to be sanitized.

Additional embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methodsof using the above-identified sanitization devices to sanitize asurface.

A sanitization device for sanitizing a surface inside an aircraft cabincomprises a mobile body configured to travel over a surface. There is asource of UV radiation mounted to the mobile body and configured todirect UV radiation to the surface at a predetermined dosage. There areat least two articulated arms mounted to the mobile body, and UV lampsare mounted respectively on the arms. The mobile body is a trolley orcart for negotiating an aircraft aisle.

In another form there is a sanitization device for sanitizing a surfaceinside an aircraft cabin. There is a mobile body configured to travelover a surface; and a source of UV radiation mounted to the mobile bodyand configured to direct UV radiation to the surface at a predetermineddosage. At least one arm is mounted to the mobile body, and a UV lamp ismounted on the arm. The mobile body is a trolley or cart for negotiatingan aircraft aisle.

The arm is movable from a position of storage with the mobile body to aposition to extend from the mobile body wherein in the extended positionthe arm is operational to effect sanitization.

In one form each arm being for independent operation.

There are means for controlling motion of the arms over and about theaircraft surfaces, such surfaces including seats of the aircraft.

The arms are mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobilebody at a position above the back rest of seats. The arms are movableover the seats and the UV lamps are directed to the seat surface as wellas above the seats, and toward the interior sides of the fuselage.

The arm or arms are mounted with the mobile body and extendable from themobile body at a position essentially solely above seats of an aircraft.

A surface cleaning component can be mounted to the mobile body andconfigured to engage the surface on which the mobile body travels.

The device includes a self-contained powering unit for powering the UVsource.

The device can include a sensor for measuring the distance and or powerthe UV lamps relative to the surface and controlling the amount of anddistance of the lamps from the surface and/or UV energy transmitted tothe surface.

There is a method of sanitizing the seat surface in an aircraft cabincomprising the following steps. A sanitization device is provided toinclude a mobile body configured to travel along an aisle of anaircraft, and there is step of sanitizing with a device extending fromthe mobile device extendible across the seat surface.

There can be a surface cleaning component mounted to the mobile body andconfigured to engage the surface,

A source of UV radiation mounted to the mobile body is moved so that thesanitization device is directed across the seat surface. The seatsurface is exposed to UV radiation produced by the source, and themobile body is moved along an aisle while the device travels overmultiple seat surfaces.

A source of UV radiation mounted to the mobile body is directed to theseat surfaces at a predetermined dosage; extending at least one armmounted to the mobile body with UV lamps mounted on the arm over theseats as the mobile body travels along an aircraft aisle. The mobilebody is powered by a power source on board the mobile device.

The arm or arms are mounted on the mobile body and extend from themobile body at least at a height above the seat level of the seat, andpreferably between the seat level and the top of the backrest seat. Thearms are preferably between the top of the backrest and the overheadbins.

A method of sanitizing includes a process wherein as the trolley moveson wheels along an aisle of an aircraft cabin, the arm is extended formovement in a space between the top of the cabin and above the top ofbackrest of the seats.

A method of sanitizing includes a process wherein as the trolley moveson wheels progressively along an aisle of an aircraft cabin, the arm isextended for movement in a space between the top of the cabin andprogressively above the top of backrest of the seats and the seatportions of the seats.

Some different components of the system are set out:

-   -   1) Trolley    -   2) UVC source (lamp)    -   3) Trolley wheels    -   4) reflector    -   5) arm    -   6) arm extension retraction mechanism    -   7) rollers    -   8) hinges    -   9) guy wire    -   10) overhead bins    -   11) aircraft seats

The trolley (1) has a “footprint” similar to that of a standardfood/beverage trolley used on aircraft, but is of substantially greaterheight. The trolley has wheels (3), at least one of which is connectedto a motor and at least one of which has a steering mechanism. The motorand steering mechanism are connected to an on-board microprocessorcontroller. There are proximity sensors, not illustrated, along thesides, fore and aft surfaces also connected to the controller.

Ultraviolet “C” (UVC) sources (2) are incorporated into all exteriorfore, aft and side, and bottom surfaces of the trolley and located in amanner to maximize exposure of the aircraft interior surfaces.Reflectors (4) are utilized to maximize effective UVC output.

UVC laden “arms” (5) are connected to the trolley in such a manner to bevariably laterally extensible above the aircraft seats (11) and belowthe overhead storage bins (10). These arms (5) may be retracted andstowed within the footprint of the trolley (1) for storage and whenmaneuvering the trolley (1) into position and on/off the aircraft. UVCsource lamps (2) are also located in a sufficiently elevated position toexpose the overhead storage bins (10).

Arms (5) may be configured in a variety of embodiments. FIGS. 1-4 showarms (5) essentially a folding frame containing UVC Sources (2) attachedto a scissors like extension/retraction mechanism (6). Theextension/retraction mechanism (6) may be attached to a linear actuator,not illustrated, and motor controlled by the microprocessor. FIGS. 5-8show an alternative arm embodiment wherein the UVC Sources (2) aredirectly embedded within the extension/retraction mechanism (6). FIGS.9-11 show a “roll-up” type arm embodiment with UVC sources (2) embeddedinto the extension/retraction mechanism (6). For clarity ofillustration, these arms (5) contain a limited number of UVC sources(2). Many more UVC sources (2) may be desirable depending upon thedesired dose of UVC exposure and other constraints.

These multiple embodiments are not intended to be all inclusive, butrather demonstrative of the myriad ways that this disclosure can beconstructed.

Vertical extensions with laterally directed UVC sources (2) also exposethe overhead bins. The height of these sources may vary, depending uponaircraft configuration.

Fans, not illustrated for clarity, are also attached to the trolley (1)in such a manner to direct air flow into the path of UVC sources tosterilize the air. For example, fans directed laterally toward the floorcan circulate air that might otherwise remain relatively stagnant. UVClight also generates ozone from ambient oxygen which helps deodorize thecabin as an additional benefit

Rechargeable batteries are located within the trolley to power themotor, controller, steering mechanism, fans, arm extension mechanism andUVC sources. Some UVC lamps may also require ballast. These heaviercomponents are preferentially located at the lower portion of thetrolley to maximize lateral anti-tip-over stability. A power cord port,not illustrated, allows plug in charging when the trolley is not in use.

Operation:

The trolley (1) is stowed off the aircraft, with arms (5) retracted, andplugged into an external power source to charge the on-board batteries.When ready for use, the apparatus of this disclosure is unplugged andwheeled onto the aircraft in a manner similar to known food/beveragetrolleys. The trolley is positioned in the aisle between the first row(or last row) of seats. The arms (5) are extended utilizing theextension/retraction (6) mechanism. The UVC sources (2) are powered onwith a delay mechanism sufficient to allow personnel to leave theaircraft, or remotely. The trolley (1) proceeds along the aisle,autonomously centered by the lateral proximity sensors and the wheel (3)steering mechanism. The apparatus of this disclosure proceedsautonomously to the last row (or first row) of seats, detected by theaft proximity sensors or pre-programmed by the number of rows. Thetrolley (1) stops, reverses direction and proceeds in the oppositedirection in the aisle to the starting point.

The trolley (1) speed of travel may be programmed and is dependent uponthe UVC source output, distance from UVC source to surface, and desiredlevel of kill rate. Kill rates are dose dependent, measured in Wsec/m2and specific microbial sensitivities are known. The total treatmentduration should conform to other ground turn-around time constraints forthe aircraft.

When treatment is completed, the arms (5) are retracted to the stowedposition. The apparatus of this disclosure is then transported back tothe storage facility and plugged back into the external power source.

Some Alternative Embodiments

The foregoing describes the minimum configuration of the currentdisclosure. A multitude of additions and variations are anticipatedbeyond this basic description. The following are representative examplesof alternative embodiments and additional features, but are not intendedto be all inclusive.

UVC sources may be fluorescent lamps, Light Emitting Diodes (LED),pulsed Xenon and other technologies known to produce ultraviolet lightin the germicidal range.

The trolley has an estimated weight of approximately 75 pounds. A motorassist for pushing the trolley may be incorporated to ease in itsmobility on and off the aircraft.

The UVC laden arms are foldable to substantially within the “footprint”of the trolley during transportation on and off the aircraft and forstowage. The arms extend laterally and perpendicular to the aisle atvariable distance from the trolley. The two arms extend laterallyindependently to accommodate asymmetric seating configurations. Thereare a multitude of known mechanisms that allow this feature and some areillustrated within this application. More elaboratetelescoping/folding/rolling or otherwise extensible mechanisms can beincorporated into the design and the disclosure includes suchvariations. The arms function independently of each other to optimallytreat aircraft that may have different numbers of seats on each side ofthe aisle.

Because UVC light is potentially damaging to human skin and eyes, anonboard detection, warning and abort system is preferred. Sensors thatmonitor motion and heat or visual pattern recognition can beincorporated to detect human presence within a potentially dangerousradius of the device. Audible and visible alarms alert the human to thepotential danger. The device stops and the UVC sources are depowered toprevent possible injury. Similarly cameras can be included to remotelymonitor the trolley's progress. UVC does not penetrate clothing,plastics or glass and very simple personal protective gear covering allskin and a simple visor would allow a worker to be safely adjacent tothe trolley.

Programming may involve varying levels of automation. For example, onemay program for the cabin of a 777 aircraft and the controllerdetermines the direction, speed, number of rows, the desired extensionof the arms and height of the UVC sources for the overhead bins. Lesssophisticated programming may have variable row numbers, seats per row,speed of trolley travel, depending upon level of contamination etc.

A more sophisticated travel path may also be anticipated and programmed.For example, the arms may be programmed to follow the contours of thepassenger seat, going up and down around the seat backs and even down tothe floor to bring the UVC sources into closer proximity to contaminatedsources.

In the method, the device and apparatus is positioned to expose the UVsource in a positioned to expose the components of the aircraft desiredto be sanitized. There can also be a cleaning component with theapparatus and a waste container or tank with the device. The exposure ofthe cleaning component and the interior of the waste container or tank,operates to control the proliferation of microorganisms and thegeneration of odor.

The extensible arms have the ability to disinfect surfaces that are nottraveled over, but are remote from the traveled surface. Those surfaces,like seats, seat backs and tray tables cannot be traveled over and couldnot be sanitized are sanitized by the disclosed device which has thoseextensible arms.

An alternative embodiment could have the arms going up and down betweenseatbacks as the device travels in the aisle to get the arms closer tothe sitting surface.

Surfaces like seats, seat backs and tray tables cannot be traveled over.Such surfaces could not be sanitized by a device that directs UVradiation to the surface on which it travels. The disclosed device, withextensible arms, allows such surfaces to be sanitized.

An alternative embodiment could have the arms going up and down betweenseatbacks as the device travels in the aisle to get the arms closer tothe seat surfaces.

An alternative embodiment is a permanent installation onboard anaircraft with a storage compartment. There can be a configuration of thedisclosure where the device would be stowed in a closed compartment andrather than wheels, for example a ceiling mounted rail system allows thedevice to travel fore and aft in the passenger compartment. An advantageto this system is that the aircraft can be sanitized regardless ofwhether the airport has functioning devices. A further advantage isapparent in case of an on-board inflight release of a pathogen, whetheraccidental/unintentional or bioterrorism. By activating an onboarddevice, with passengers shielded, an aircraft can be “sanitized”inflight prior to landing. This would avoid release of potentialpathogens at the destination and neutralize the threat prior to humaninoculation.

Many different formats are possible for the disclosure. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims thedisclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sanitization device for sanitizing a surfaceinside an aircraft cabin comprising: a mobile body configured to travelover a surface; and a source of UV radiation mounted to the mobile bodyand configured to direct UV radiation to the surface at a predetermineddosage; at least two articulated arms mounted to the mobile body, UVlamps mounted respectively on the arms, the mobile body being a trolleyor cart for negotiating an aircraft aisle, and a power source foractivating the UV radiation as the trolley or cart moves along theaircraft aisle, and wherein the two articulated arms are mounted withthe mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at a positionmovable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed to the seatsurface, are when extended from the mobile body and back into mobilebody are above seat level, wherein the multiple UV lamps are set up inend to end relationship, and wherein the arms for the lamps are foldableinwardly relative to each other and towards the trolley and outwardlyfrom each other and from the trolley to extend over the seats, thefolding being through a hinge located with each of the arms.
 2. Asanitization device for sanitizing a surface inside an aircraft cabincomprising: a mobile body configured to travel over a surface; and asource of UV radiation mounted to the mobile body and configured todirect UV radiation to the surface at a predetermined dosage; at leastone arm mounted to the mobile body, a UV lamp mounted on the arm, andthe mobile body being a trolley or cart for negotiating an aircraftaisle, wherein the arm is movable from a position of storage with themobile body to a position to extended from the mobile body wherein inthe extended position the arm is operational to effect sanitization, apower source for activating the UV radiation as the trolley or cartmoves along the aircraft aisle, and the arm being mounted on the side ofthe trolley or cart, and the arm includes multiple UV lamps mounted onthe arm in spaced relationship with each other thereby in the extendedposition to cover an increased area to effect sanitation, and whereinthe arm is mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobilebody at a position movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directedto the seat surface, and when extended from the mobile body and backinto mobile body are above the seat level, wherein the multiple UV lampsare set up in end to end relationship, and wherein the arm for the lampsis foldable inwardly and towards the trolley and outwardly from thetrolley to extend over the seats, the folding being through a hingelocated with the arm.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein each arm beingfor independent operation.
 4. The device of claim 1 including means forcontrolling motion of the arms over and about the aircraft surfaces,such surfaces including seats of the aircraft.
 5. The device as claimedin claim 1 wherein the arms are mounted with the mobile body andextendable from the mobile body at a position above the back rest ofseats, and is movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed tothe seat surface.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the arm ismounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at aposition above the back rest of seats, and is movable over the seats andthe UV lamps are directed to the seat surface.
 7. The device as claimedin claim 1 wherein the arms are mounted with the mobile body andextendable from the mobile body at a position essentially solely aboveseats of an aircraft, and is movable over the seats and the UV lamps aredirected to the seat surface.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 2wherein the arm is mounted with the mobile body and extendable from themobile body at a position essentially solely above seats of theaircraft, and is movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed tothe seat surface.
 9. The device of claim 1 including a surface cleaningcomponent mounted to the mobile body and configured to engage thesurface on which the mobile body travels.
 10. The device of claim 1,including a self-contained powering unit for powering the UV source. 11.The device of claim 1, wherein each arm is independently extendible andoperational over and around the seat surfaces.
 12. The device of claim1, including a sensor for measuring the distance and or power the UVlamps relative to the surface and controlling the amount of and distanceof the lamps from the surface and/or UV energy transmitted to thesurface.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the arms are mounted on themobile body and extend from the mobile body at least at a height abovethe seat level of the seat, and preferably between the seat level andthe top of the backrest of the seat, or preferably above the top of theback rest of the seat and below overhead bins of the aircraft, andincluding hinges between the trolley and arms whereby during storage thearms are folded into the trolley such that the arms are entirely at aposition above the seat level.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 2wherein the arm is mounted with the mobile body and extendable from themobile body at a position essentially solely above seats of an aircraft,and is movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed to the seatsurface, and when extended from the mobile body and back into mobilebody are maintained solely above the seat level, such that the UV lampsare located entirely in an upper portion of the mobile body, and removedfrom a lower portion of the mobile body.
 15. The device as claimed inclaim 2 wherein the arm is mounted with the mobile body and extendablefrom the mobile body at a position above seats of an aircraft, and ismovable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed to the seatsurface, and when extended from the mobile body and back into mobilebody are maintained above the seat level, such that the UV lamps arelocated in a relatively upper portion of the mobile body; and includinga hinge between the arm and the mobile body, the hinge permitting theupward movement of the arm between an extended position, selectivelyhorizontal position, and an upward position essentially over a body ofthe mobile body.
 16. The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the arm ismounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body at aposition movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed to theseat surface, and when extended from the mobile body and back intomobile body are above the seat level, such that the UV lamps are locatedin an upper portion of the mobile body, and wherein the multiple UVlamps are set up in end to end or array relationship.
 17. The device asclaimed in claim 14 wherein the arm is mounted with the mobile body andextendable from the mobile body at a position movable over the seats andthe UV lamps are directed to the seat surface, and when extended fromthe mobile body and back into mobile body are above the seat level, suchthat the UV lamps are located in an upper portion of the mobile body,and wherein the multiple UV lamps are set up in an end to end or arrayrelationship.
 18. The device as claimed in claim 1 including a motor forthe mobile body and wherein the mobile body is steerable for negotiatingan aircraft aisle.
 19. The device as claimed in claim 2 including amotor for the mobile body and wherein the mobile body is steerable fornegotiating an aircraft aisle.
 20. A sanitization device for sanitizinga surface inside an aircraft cabin comprising: a mobile body configuredto travel over a surface; and a source of UV radiation and configured todirect UV radiation to the surface at a predetermined dosage; at leasttwo articulated arms mounted to the mobile body, UV lamps mountedrespectively on the arms, the mobile body being a trolley or cart fornegotiating an aircraft aisle, and a power source for activating the UVradiation as the trolley or cart moves along the aircraft aisle whereinthe arms are mounted on the mobile body and extend from the mobile bodyat least at a height above the seat level of the seat, and hingeslocated in a position with the trolley and with the arms for the UVradiation sources such that the arms are foldable towards the trolleyduring storage action, and when the arms are folded into the trolley,the arms are entirely at a position above the seat level, and thetrolley further including multiple spaced UV radiation lamps located inrelatively spaced fixed positions in and around the trolley body forprojecting UV radiation from the trolley body, and wherein the two armsare mounted with the mobile body and extendable from the mobile body ata position movable over the seats and the UV lamps are directed to theseat surface, and when extended from the mobile body and back intomobile body are above the seat level, wherein the multiple UV lamps areset up in end to end relationship, and wherein the arms for the lampsare foldable inwardly relative to each other and towards the trolley andoutwardly from each other and from the trolley to extend over the seats,the folding being through hinge located with each arm.